Living with heart failure: now there's a thought...!

Once on my End2End I will have a lot of time on my hands resting between stages & one of the fellow patients who will offer support online will be Rob who has knack of sending lovely motivating quotes, poems or simple messages to raise my spirits so I have asked him to do a piece on living with heart failure, once again he has not disappointed. Thank you Rob

Living with heart failure: now there's a thought...! Rob Merchant 

I guess for a lot of people the words 'heart failure' don't exactly amount to 'living'. More like the opposite, if the truth be known. For example, I just received my new ICD 'ID card' and if you read the list of cardiac conditions I have to qualify for such a device, then you might think: 'How does this guy actually make it out of his front door in the mornings?' (For those not in the know a pacemaker / ICD is your best electronic friend. The ultimate app...)

So, failing is not what it's all about. Yes, your heart is not getting the best grades in its 'Highers' but it's still doing its stuff. With a little help from randomly brilliant cardiologists, medical professionals, assorted amazing friends and colleagues, plus a dash of stunningly supportive family members - yes, your 'failing' heart can achieve many miracles.

Unbeknown to me, I've had heart failure all my life. Two major surgeries and one magic implant later and I'm getting used to it. But enlighten me here: is what follows 'failing'...? Now I bask in the company of others; I no longer compete verbally with them, but love to hear all their stories, struggles and dreams. If I see someone do a good thing or just be awesome in some way, I tell them. I appreciate and acknowledge so much that is offered to me by others. And all around I see the signs and evidence of joy. Not euphoric, over-the-top raving, but simple, humble delight in living.

Now about this guy John. Hereby hangs a tale... Look at this guy and what do we see? Well, he's a combination of a few things: a father, a partner, a manger, a supporter, a relater, a provider of humour and solace. And then beyond all this, he chooses to be a warrior and stand in the way of all that his own stack of heart conditions can throw at him. 

He rides that bike of his every day. He faces down his fears every day. He will ride from end to end of our nation just for us, all of us, whatever our condition or situation. When he begins this incredible journey he will ride out of suffering and into legend. But if asked the question 'why' he will mostly likely say 'to give courage to others - and for Scotland and all that she represents...'

He will do this for you and me. He will do it because he knows he has the strength and grit to do this.

This is not heart failure. This is living